Nigella Lawson confirmed as new judge on The Great British Bake Off

Nigella Lawson has been officially confirmed as the new judge on The Great British Bake Off and will begin filming later this Spring.

Last week Dame Prue Leith announced that she had decided to depart the show after nine years ahead of her 86th birthday next month.

Lawson, 66, was linked with the job almost immediately and now Channel 4 has revealed that she will be entering the famous tent alongside mainstay Paul Hollywood for the next series.

“I’m uncharacteristically rather lost for words right now!” she said in a statement. “Of course it’s daunting to be following in the footsteps of Prue Leith and Mary Berry before her, great Dames both, but I’m also bubbling with excitement.

“The Great British Bake Off is more than a television programme, it’s a National Treasure – and it’s a huge honour to be entrusted with it. I’m just thrilled to be joining the team and all the new bakers to come, I wish the marvellous Prue all the best, and am giddily grateful for the opportunity!”

Leith said: “I’m thrilled that Nigella is to experience brilliant Bake Off. She’s sassy, fun and she knows her onions – and her croissants, cake and crumble.”

Hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding will also return for the new series, which is due to air on Channel 4 from the end of the Summer.